Putin warns Ukraine: choose negotiations or face force to end war

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved through negotiations “if common sense prevails,” but warned Moscow was prepared to use military force if diplomacy fails.

Speaking in Beijing at the end of a state visit, Putin expressed cautious optimism, pointing to what he described as “sincere efforts” by the United States under President Donald Trump to help broker peace in Europe’s largest land war since World War II.

“It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict. That is my assumption,” Putin told reporters. “Especially since we can see the mood of the current US administration under President Trump, and we see not just their statements, but their sincere desire to find this solution. And I think there is a certain light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s see how the situation develops. If not, then we will have to resolve all the tasks before us by force of arms.”

The remarks came as Putin concluded talks in Beijing that included an agreement on a new gas pipeline to China, deepening energy and political ties between the two countries.